A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Geneva for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Istanbul or Geneva?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Geneva, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a historic, diverse, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Geneva: Pros and Cons

How is Istanbul different from Geneva?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Geneva and Istanbul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Istanbul and Geneva have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Food?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Istanbul and Geneva can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Istanbul and Geneva.

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Geneva. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for its Old Town?

While Geneva and Istanbul both have old towns, overall Istanbul is more well-known.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Shopping?

Both Istanbul and Geneva are good shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Known for shopping, Geneva draws large crowds to its stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Families?

Istanbul and Geneva are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks.

Geneva is a family-friendly city. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Geneva are both fun to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Students?

Istanbul and Geneva are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Students come from all over to stay in Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Is Istanbul or Geneva Better for Public Transit?

Both Istanbul and Geneva offer public transit options.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Geneva has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Is Istanbul or Geneva a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Geneva both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

Should I spend more time in Geneva or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Geneva?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Geneva. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Geneva.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Geneva is 1-3 days.

One day in Istanbul or Geneva?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Geneva offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Geneva?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Geneva is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Geneva, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Geneva?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Geneva is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Geneva?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Geneva is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Geneva?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Istanbul or Geneva in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Geneva. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Geneva in the summer. The temperature in Istanbul is usually 24°C (74°F) in July, and Geneva stays around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Geneva. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Geneva. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October are around 16°C (61°F), and Geneva is about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Geneva. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Geneva stays around 4°C (39°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Geneva. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Geneva in the spring. The temperature in Istanbul is usually 13°C (55°F) in April, and Geneva stays around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Geneva. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Geneva and Istanbul